The New Princess
The nation has learned with sincere pleasure the news of the birth of a daughter to Princess Elizabeth. The crowds which gathered outside Clarence House over a period of several days have amply demonstrated the people's loyalty and their affectionate interest in a welcome addition to the royal family. Whether the zeal of the sightseers outran their discretion and good taste is certainly a question ; but this failing has, in its curious way, empha- sised rather than marred the rejoicing. Amid our grave preoccapa- tions, the child born at Clarence House comes as a timely encourage- ment, a strengthening of the ties that bind the crown to the nation. By letters patent of 1948 she will bear the style of H.R.H. and the dignity of princess ; she is third in succession to the throne and the world will hear much more of her. That the child is a girl is everywhere an added source of pleasure. The Duke of Edinburgh, if reports can be believed, had wished it so ; and Princess Elizabeth will share the happiness of every mother that her son should have a sister.
